Bellingham: Summer reading more than just books, lists

BELLINGHAM — As recently as a decade ago, summer reading simply involved a list of books distributed among local libraries. Generally, students selected one, read it, and, at the end of the summer, wrote an essay about the story for school.

This slightly mundane model, though, has become a bit more exciting with Fizz Boom READ! – a national reading program now offered at the Bellingham Public Library.

Children still read books from a list, but they also do daily science experiments, write, direct and star in their own short films and collect prizes.

Especially in the summer, books have to compete with all of the other different platforms vying for a child’s attention. In a way, Fizz Boom and READ! equalizes the playing field, giving kids interesting incentives to sit down and read, said Celeste Bruno, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

"It’s a lot different than when we were kids," Bruno said.

Every year, about 370,000 children and teenagers nationwide participate in their hometown library’s summer reading program, she noted.

"Each summer we have a theme," she said. "This summer it is science. Libraries are doing a lot to get kids excited about science as part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiative."

The Bellingham Public Library, 100 Blackstone St., has adopted the science theme and will have science experiments for kids to do at home. And it encourages them to email a picture or video of the experiment in progress for a chance to win a prize.

The library will also hold a film festival in August. Using this year’s science theme, students are asked to make three- to five-minute films, which they must complete by Aug. 9.

Library director Bernadette Rivard said her staff will post the movies online and promote them through social media.

The summer reading kick-off will be held at 7 p.m. June 24 at Bellingham High School. All of the reading lists can be found on bellinghamlibrary.org

"I think libraries have moved toward having summer reading be more about kids doing activities that are educational and fun at the same time," she said.